Submitted February 5th, 2016 by Isaac Goff, Chair
During 2015, Subud Marin has been scraping by financially, with contributions averaging $460/month and expenses averaging $2,300/month. The difference has been made up with house rental income and savings.
The house has pressing needs for both cosmetic & structural repairs, for which there are no funds available. There has been no committee for some time other than a paid house manager and volunteer treasurer. The group now has a Chairperson, Isaac Goff, and a property committee. The group is just at the beginning of determining which repairs are most pressing and their cost, as well as a plan for increasing rental income.
We have received an offer from our principal tenant, Tamalpa Institute, to lease the property exclusively starting 2017 for 10 years to serve as the Tamalpa Institute home. Control of the property would pass to the tenant as in any commercial lease. Subud’s use of the property would be written into the lease and likely be limited to Sunday & Thursday latihans and one weekend per month. The tenant would make any cosmetic and other changes to suit their needs. Discussions have not reached the questions of, How much is the lease payment? Who pays for which repairs? Details of the changes they intend? etc?
This created a surge of interest. The group met and voted NOT to lease the building for 10 years. The feeling expressed was that in doing so, Subud would be as renters in someone else’s building, much as when a group rents space in a church or community center. The issue revolved around “the feeling of it no longer being the Subud House”. There were dissenting opinions expressed a few members.
While we continue to talk to Tamalpa about what other arrangements might be possible, it is clear they are looking for a “home to call their own”. It is likely, Marin will have to replace Tamalpa’s income during 2016 or 2017. Therefore, it is urgent that efforts be made to attract additional tenants. This requires both some cosmetic and some costly repairs (repaving of asphalt).